At first, we explored the cutoff values of MRD levels at each time point.
We also explored the cutoff value for detrimental low glucose in both populations.
When exploring the cutoff value for detrimental low glucose in the present cohort, we found that lowest blood glucose concentrations up to 4.9 mmol/l were associated with an increased risk of ICU mortality in the non-DM cohort, and 3.5 mmol/l in the DM cohort.
Varni et al (2003) previously explored the cutoff points for 'at-risk status' for impaired QoL and determined in a large paediatric population, that one standard deviation below the mean of the total population sample was a clinically meaningful measure of impaired QoL as it represented scores similar to children with severe chronic health condition.
In contrast, when exploring the cutoff value for detrimental low glucose in the DM cohort, we found that lowest blood glucose concentrations up to 3.5 mmol/l were associated with an increased risk of ICU mortality (adjusted OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.2 to 3.7, P = 0.01).
When exploring the cutoff value for detrimental low glucose in the non-DM cohort, we found that lowest blood glucose concentrations up to 4.9 mmol/l were associated with an increased risk for ICU mortality (adjusted OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1 to 1.7, P = 0.01).
To explore the potential cutoff level further, we carried out sensitivity analyses of the combined BP ranges by testing DBP <65 and <60 mmHg with the associated target BP ranges reviewed previously.
We therefore decided to explore the adequate cutoff values for nadir DO2 level and nadir DO2/VCO2 ratio during CPB as possible predictors of postoperative AKI stage 2 and to include those values in the subsequent multivariable analysis.
To explore the most appropriate cutoff to separate the two types of CBC, we analysed the deviance between models including different cutoff points as compared with the basal model with no cutoff date.
To answer the second question, we utilize data from the 1992 National Sample Survey of the Living Situation of Chinese Children to explore the effect of the cutoff date and family characteristics on school starting age.
